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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director added.

In a later announcement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to put down the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.